Germany's largest jury starts:
100 expert juries assess sustainable companies.
Around 240 jurors from research, business, associations and civil society identify the pioneers of sustainable transformation in 100 sectors.
With the start of the jury work for the 18th German Sustainability Award for Companies, Germany's most comprehensive panel of experts begins its work. In the first round, the juries select the ten or so pioneers per sector who are nominated for this year's DNP.
The decision-making criteria and processes have been further developed: The experts are guided by the transformational achievements of the companies - illustrated by a soring based on the sustainability report and/or other published data - , but also by their innovative strength, pioneering role and signalling effect, the scalability and leverage effect of their contributions and their development dynamics.
The selected companies are beacons in their sectors and provide impetus for a sustainable economy. Their best practices will not only be honoured, but also passed on: On 4 and 5 December 2025, the industry winners will present their strategies in MasterClasses at the newly designed congress.
These formats enable guests to learn directly from the best and take away successful approaches for their own practice. The work of the 100 expert juries is a central component in reflecting and recognising the diversity and innovative strength of sustainable companies.
The judges
Sustainability in the share price barometer:
What does stress test mean here?
By Dr. Günther Bachmann, Chairman of the German Sustainability Award Foundation e.V.
The transformation to sustainability is not a stress test, rather it is a stress test of doing business without nature and people. Economically viable concepts are what really drive change and prosperity. Your stage is the DNP.
Some people think that our focus on sustainability has fallen out of time in the face of global turmoil, crazy customs manoeuvres and climate ignorance. But that's a superficial view. In fact, things are different. To categorise the other, there is the DNP. We identify the trend. We identify the best corporate concepts, both in terms of good ideas in still small markets and in terms of the big levers for changing established brands and products. There is a future in both: made visible and tangible by the DNP.
Is this just whistling in the woods? The economy is experiencing great uncertainty. The US government is making climate ignorance a legal obligation. It is fighting against equal opportunities and inclusion and is dragging European companies into it. Does the European economic model still have a chance at all? Can we simply carry on as before?
Yes, because sustainable solutions have always struggled to be prioritised. This has been the case for all 18 years of the DNP's existence. Courageous entrepreneurs set strong impulses against the mainstream in their industry. Resistance is part of the business. It will stay that way. And not all good approaches are honoured by the market as they should be.
No, because the proposed solutions for sustainability need fresh air. Too much is stuck in self-assurance. A jargon-fuelled technical language reduces broad acceptance. Too often, data and AI are an end in themselves and obscure the questions of meaning and relevance. Sustainability management must improve. Everything you need for this is available - if you come together, if you put common ground before differences, if you dare to applaud the best and ask them about their experiences.
Responsibility and commitment deserve visibility and recognition. The German Sustainability Award puts the trends and pioneers in the spotlight
Setting course, correcting course, staying on course - that is what the DNP stands for.
What’s new at #DNP18?
Greater transparency in methodology, revised jury processes, a clearer scoring system, and an enhanced award format—these are just some of the exciting developments at the 18th German Sustainability Award. The competitions opened on March 1, 2025.
100 pioneers driving transformation.
In challenging times, companies that stay the course and push forward in their industries matter more than ever. Their role is becoming increasingly vital, and so is their responsibility. On December 4 and 5, 2025, the DNP will shine a spotlight on the best among them.
Germany’s most sustainable products - wanted!
A new follow-up study by the University of Hohenheim confirms what companies have known for years: the DNP remains Germany’s most renowned and sought-after sustainability award. The study, funded by the Federal Environmental Foundation, identifies the DNP as the most recognized and one of the three most credible among 141 sustainability awards.
GSA Architecture
The German Sustainability Award for Architecture shows how the construction sector is changing. For the 13th time, buildings that combine innovative solutions with design excellence and sustainable impact will be honored.
Together with leading players in the architecture sector, the award recognizes outstanding projects that redefine the future of construction.
GSA Health
The German Sustainability Award for Health focuses on the important link between health and sustainability. Exemplary measures and solutions can now be submitted in three categories.
The prize is awarded in cooperation with BARMER and the Healthy Earth - Healthy People Foundation.
GSA: The No. 1 Sustainability Award - again.
A new follow-up study by the University of Hohenheim confirms what companies have known for years: the DNP remains Germany’s most renowned and sought-after sustainability award. The study, funded by the Federal Environmental Foundation, identifies the DNP as the most recognized and one of the three most credible among 141 sustainability awards.
Record attendance at the German Sustainability Day 2024.
Nearly 3,000 guests attended the two-day congress and award ceremonies in Düsseldorf.
The 17th German Sustainability Day was a record-breaking event, bringing together nearly 3,000 representatives from business, politics, academia, and civil society to celebrate outstanding examples of successful transformation. With 20 program highlights across five locations, the event provided both a comprehensive overview and in-depth insights into the key topics of sustainability. Extensive networking opportunities ensured that every participant became an integral part of the debate.
Among the distinguished guests recognizing leading companies and institutions—including UEFA Euro24 and the event project "Labor Tempelhof"—were Federal Minister Klara Geywitz, Prof. Karl Lauterbach, Minister of State Claudia Roth, State Secretary Mahmut Özdemir (BMI), and EU Vice President Dr. Katarina Barley.
Short Video: November 28th, 2024
Short Video: November 29th, 2024